Ice House
The Ice House sits on the shore of Gruinard Bay, north of Gairloch and south of Ullapool, within easy reach of Inverness. It has its own seashore and guests can use the nearby community stone jetty/slipway.
The Ice House was rescued from dereliction and renovated in 2023 to a striking Scot-Scandi design, taking full advantage of its startling natural setting. A collaborative effort between the owners and multi-award winning Skye architects, Rural Design, it was shortlisted for the Highlands and Islands Architectural Association Building of the Year 2024 (New Life for Existing Building).
Cosy and exceptionally comfortable, this retreat is highly insulated with double glazing, electric heating and a stylish Danish wood burner for winter warmth, making it a year-round destination. Facing due East and nestling down in the coastal cliff, the Ice House is sheltered from the prevailing West wind, creating an inviting and warm haven even in wild weather.
Wonderful panorama
The sweeping view through the high glass walls of the living room and bedrooms spans over 40 miles, a panorama of sea, islands and mountains.
From the majestic Sutherland summits in the far North and the iconic Suilven to the enchanting Summer Isles and Achiltibuie, and further South to the formidable silhouette of An Teallach (the Anvil), arguably Britain’s most impressive mountain and gateway to the Great Wilderness.
The best (window) seat in the (Ice) House - Otter and other wildlife spotting
The snug window seat by the log burner and the striking Nordic glass wall offers a wonderful vantage point to spot otters hunting, seals playing, curlews, oyster catchers, fulmars and herons and a host of other seabirds. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are often seen in the outer lochs and open waters of Wester Ross and can occasionally be seen in Gruinard Bay.
The Ice House has 'resident' otters in front of the house - but that doesn't mean they are easy to spot.
The Ice House is a perfect haven for those seeking tranquility, wanting to get lost in the pages of a good book or just weather watching, contemplating the ever-changing sea and marvelling at the wildlife.
First floor Living Area
The living area spans the entire length of the first floor, encompassing a spacious and well-lit living/dining zone seamlessly connected to a superbly equipped kitchen and a porch with WC. Abundant natural light floods in through the skylights set in the lofty arched structure. The living area is dominated by the captivating panoramic view through the high triangular window, showcasing the magnificent outlook.
Bedrooms - Wake up as part of the seascape
The two ground floor double bedrooms feature wonderful views with glass sliding doors opening onto a wooden deck just three metres from the sea, providing a real wow factor.
Accommodating up to four guests, the two double bedrooms have king-size beds. The waves on the seashore will lull you to sleep and mornings offer the chance to spot seals, otters and the sunrise from bed with a cup of tea.
Or perhaps wake up to a spontaneous wild swim straight from your bedroom terrace.
For those wanting single beds, a separate bunk room at the back of the house under the cliff can be made available upon request.
Restoration and History
Originally constructed in the 19th century to store ice for the nearby salmon fishing station, the Ice House was rescued from dereliction and renovated in 2023 .
Laide Salmon Station was originally one of many stations around the north of Scotland. By the 1970s only a few survived. Five bag nets were fished every day along the coast of Gruinard Bay by a large flat-bottomed salmon coble and a crew of six. If 100 salmon were caught in one day, the coble crew received a bottle of Bells whisky - normally consumed the same day.
Activities and Amenities
The Ice House is a great base for a range of outdoor activities and coastal adventures including walking, cycling, sailing, kayaking, sea fishing, trout fishing and exploring some of the most wonderful beaches in the World.
Despite its splendidly remote feel, the Ice House is within walking distance of Laide’s exceptional general store and post office. Aultbea, Poolewe and Gairloch, with their attractions and amenities, are easily accessible by car.